Leaving a Legacy of Service:
Dr. C. Kenneth Landrum

We mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Baylor College of Medicine alumnus
C. Kenneth Landrum, M.D. ’54, who passed away on February 22, 2021. Many of you knew Dr. Landrum as a compassionate physician who served his community through medical, religious, civic and business activities. Baylor recognized his incredible lifetime of accomplishments with the Distinguished Service Award in 2017.

Dr. Landrum earned his medical degree from Baylor in 1954 and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1957. Soon after, he trained in the United States Air Force and accepted a role at Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia as Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. His heart remained in Texas, though, and it was time to come home.

In 1963, Dr. Landrum returned to Texas and established a practice in McAllen in 1966 with Dr. Dan Chester. To help the city and state prosper, he joined the Board of Trustees of the McAllen Independent School District, HCA Rio Grande Hospital and Texas State Bank and also participated on many committees for churches and social organizations.

For 30 years he cared for patients and held memberships in key organizations, including a position as President of the Texas Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. As a leader genuinely concerned with the health and wellbeing of others, his passion didn’t stop at his work in the clinic. He actively contributed to the McAllen community and volunteered at his church teaching Sunday School and chairing the Board.

With such a rewarding and engaged life, it is no surprise that one of Dr. Landrum’s greatest achievements occurred during his retirement. He was a driving force in obtaining a collateral agreement with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in 2000 to operate a first-class pediatric hematology and oncology clinic in the Rio Grande Valley – the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic.

By leading this major and historical initiative, Dr. Landrum forever transformed the care of South Texas children afflicted with cancer and blood disorders. No such facility existed prior to this effort. Dr. Landrum insisted that no child be turned away because of a family’s inability to pay. Now approaching its 20th anniversary, the Cook Clinic has held true to Dr. Landrum’s vision and has seen and treated more than 10,500 children.

Dr. Landrum once said, “My years as a practicing physician were extremely fulfilling, but I consider my accomplishments as Chair of the Vannie Cook Cancer Foundation the most rewarding of my life.”

We hope you’ll join us in honoring the life of this extraordinary Baylor alumnus by remembering his service and sharing your memories of him with us at alumni@bcm.edu.